What is your story? We all have a story/testimony. The question we are addressing is does our testimony tell about us or about God? Do people walk away describing how we are, or do they leave us knowing that Jesus is the greatest Savior there ever was?

Here are the pastor's notes:

Fasting for a Testimony

We all have a story to share, but as believers we want a story that tells about Jesus. A group of Americans were visiting London and were told about 2 very popular pastors. That Sunday morning they went and heard Joseph Parker. After the service one member said, I do declare, it must be said, for there is no doubt, that Joseph Parker is the greatest preacher that ever there was!

The group wanted to return that night, but knew they would be asked about second preacher. So they went to Charles Spurgeon’s church. Afterwards a member said, I do declare, it must be said, for there is no doubt, that Jesus Christ is the greatest Savior that ever there was!

We want a testimony that does not tell of us, but glories in the greatest of Christ. This morning we are discussing how to fast for a Testimony.

Matthew 5:14 you are the light of the world.

Allan Taylor who taught us to Reach, Teach, and Minister said that the one thing he tries to use the most often is his influence.

Matthew 5:16 let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

How are you using your influence or testimony? Does it tell of your wisdom, opinions, and works or that there is no greater Savior than Jesus?

Believers and churches alike can have a reputation. The question is; is it for being godly or ungodly.

How to handle a bad reputation when you are doing the right thing? Ben durant

1 Peter 3:16 Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.

Luke 6:28 Bless them that curse you and pray for them which despitefully use you.

We must give what has been given to us and not use it as an excuse to call down judgement on others. Remember Luke 9:49-50 And John answered and said, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name; and we forbad him, because he followeth not with us. 50And Jesus said unto him, Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us.

We should be grieved by sin and not tempted by it to commit the very same sin. Isaiah 58:3…. They weren’t grieved by the sinfulness of the people.

John 3:30 he must increase but I must decrease

How do we decrease?

Peyton recently preached that like Christ we must empty ourselves. How do we go about doing that?

1st it is a process and not a sprint

2nd it is more about how great Christ is, than how little we must make ourselves.

Earl Skipper a drunk and harlot who was loved by God and transformed through salvation.

Jean Baxley though sick, God provides

John 1:27 I am not worthy

Are you worthy to dictate to God what you must do and who you must be like?

Do you not know that all have sinned, there is none who is righteous, no not one.

We like John are unworthy to even tie the shoes of Christ.

Augustine’s conversion note

John 3:29 He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled

this joy of mine is complete

Augustine’s Sovereign Joy

We have to see Christ as greater than our sin, yes and much more.

We must see Him as more desirable, more pleasing, more fulfilling than sin ever was. Let us view Christ with a greater desire than watching sports, hunting, lusting, drinking, anger, bitterness….

If your relationship with God is one that is of constant disappointment and letting God down, then you don’t have a relationship with God, you are trying to compete with God.

Romans 5:5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

Towards the end of Augustine’s life he was asked why he continued to preach about Grace more than anything else. His answer was, “For what ought to be more attractive to us sick men, than grace, grace by which we are healed; for us lazy men, than grace, grace by which we are stirred up; for us men longing to act, than grace, by which we are helped?”

You want a Testimony Church? Then tell less about what you do or don’t do and more about how God changed you.